UPS has announced the permanent retirement of its McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft fleet, accelerating earlier plans following a deadly crash in Louisville on 4 November. The accident occurred during takeoff from Muhammad Ali International Airport, when the aircraft’s left engine detached, limiting its climb to about 30 feet before it crashed. All three crew members on board and 12 people on the ground were killed.
Speaking during a fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO Carol Tomé said UPS decided to fully withdraw the MD-11 from service. The FAA grounded all MD-11 aircraft after the crash and continues to review whether the type will be cleared to fly again.
Other operators, including FedEx and Western Global Airlines, were also affected by the grounding. FedEx has indicated it expects to return its MD-11 fleet to service by the end of its current fiscal year, pending regulatory approval.